2005 Free Agent Safetys

Broncos Update

02/22/2005

In a continuing series, we take a look at which safeties are on the free agency market this year. The Denver Broncos' Kennoy Kennedy (in photo), is in this group. Check out our ratings on the top free agent safeties as well as updates on all the unrestricted free agents.

2005 Free-Agent Safeties A listing of the safeties scheduled for NFL
free agency
in 2005. UFA=Unrestricted Free Agent; RFA=Restricted Free Agent;
ERFA=Exclusive
Rights Free Agent. For definitions of free-agent terms, click here. The "Best
of
the Bunch" is ranked by Scout.com's Lane Adkins. The
"Rest of the
Bunch" is sorted by free-agent type, then by most recent
team. Comments
provided for unrestricted free agents.

Comment:
The Jags were contemplating slapping the franchise tag on Darius
for the third
consecutive season and finally did so on Tuesday. He had a
career-high five
interceptions in '04, forced two fumbles and recovered four.

Comment:
With 35 interceptions over the life of his career, including five
seasons with
five or more interceptions, Knight continues to be a playmaker in
the secondary.
He has also forced two fumbles in each of the past four years and
will command
a nice salary heading forward.

Comment:
The 14-year veteran was kept without an interception in 2004 for
the first
time in his career. With 55 career picks, Williams can add
veteran savvy to
any secondary. He shouldn't be on the market for long.

Comment:
Kennedy is best suited as an in-the-box safety. Known for his
hard-hitting
style, he does not make many plays in coverage but is an above
average run
defender. The Broncos remain very interested in retaining his
services.

Comment:
The Lions have discussed retaining Walker as a backup and it is
likely he will
test the market. He plays the run well but is best suited as a
situational
player. The 11-year vet may not start again at this stage of his
career.

Comment:
His 90 tackles were second best on the team and he forced two
fumbles and recovered
three. He is a solid all around player who has 24 career
interceptions. He
has lost a step in coverage but remains one of the best tacklers
on the safety
board.

Comment:
The Super Bowl MVP of 2002 moved on to Arizona, where he had a
career-high
six interceptions. After injuring his back and being placed on
IR, the Cards
released him. He was later signed by the Bucs and saw limited
action. If he
can regain his form, he should be a solid contributor.

Comment:
The best free safety on the market in the opinion of some. Smith
has the range
to make plays and has nabbed 12 interceptions over the last three
years. Smith
is seeking cornerback money and that could deter some teams.

Comment:
Spent the entire 2004 season on injured reserve after tearing his
ACL. He also
had spinal fusion surgery in 2002 and has not been the same
player since. His
injury history will scare a lot of teams away and he will likely
end up as
a backup somewhere.

Comment:
He has the size and speed to make a difference on a team and was
on his way
with the Redskins in '03. He had 103 tackles and three
interceptions, but a
disappointing 2004 season (70 tackles and no interceptions) have
brought down
expectations. He will be 26 when the season opens and represents
a good value.

Comment:
Bashir played on a terrible Colts defense that rarely saw any
plays being made
in the secondary. Perhaps with better corners, he could make
plays but in four
years with Indy they were few and far between.

Comment:
A sprained knee derailed his return to Minnesota. After being
placed on IR
and subsequently released with an injury settlement, he signed
with the Steelers
and made little impact. Carter is a good tackler and plays well
in-the-box
but is hindered by his 5-8 frame. He is a very good special teams
player.

Comment:
Has experience playing safety and cornerback. Terrell had six
interceptions
in a three-year span with Washington but disappointed during his
stint with
Oakland. He will contribute as a backup with some team this year.

Comment:
The year was 2001 when Bronson had seven interceptions, returning
two for touchdowns,
for the Niners. Bronson is a veteran leader that has contributed
in pass defense.
Season-ending ankle surgery wiped out his 2004 season although he
will find
work in 2005.

Comment:
Heard finally got significant time in the lineup in his fifth
year with San
Fran and notched 71 tackles but just five passes defensed and one
interception.
He is best suited as a backup and plays the run better than the
pass.

Comment:
After being inactive for the first five games of '04, Brandon
moved onto the
active roster and made his mark as a special teamer. He recorded
11 special
teams tackles on the season and rarely saw action in the
secondary.

Comment:
With 38 special teams tackles over the past two years, he knows
and excels
in his role. He also got an expanded role in the nickel and dime
packages.
A solid contributor and excellent tackler.